Veterans Court

Purpose and Duties

The Smith County Veterans Court Program is a pre-trial diversion program for veterans who are charged with non-violent misdemeanor offenses that may be related to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Substance Abuse Disorder (SUD), and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) or other mental health problems resulting from their military service. The program may be six months to 24 months in duration.

Participants in this program will be given an evaluation for psychological, chemical dependency and other issues that can be addressed through various types of treatment and supportive services. The program offers veterans an opportunity to avoid prosecution and a criminal conviction.

The Smith County Veterans Court Coordinator in cooperation with the Veterans Affairs and Smith County District Attorney’s office will work with the Justice Involved Veteran to determine eligibility. Minimum eligibility is a veteran of active duty, National Guard, or Reserve Armed Forces with an honorable discharge, have service-connected PTSD, SUD, TBI or other mental health problems, and be charged with a misdemeanor offense. Prior misdemeanor convictions will be evaluated on a case by case basis. Not all may be eligible or accepted into this program.

For more information on this program contact the Veteran Service Office

Staff

Michael Roark, Program Director

Catherine Thomas, Court Coordinator

Mission Statement

The Smith County Veterans Court’s mission is to successfully rehabilitate the Justice Involved Veteran by diverting them from the traditional criminal justice system (jail) and providing them with treatment and the tools they need to lead a productive and law-abiding lifestyle while improving mental health recovery and successful re-entry into the community.